Many students preparing for placements often ask the same question: is LeetCode free for students? The answer is partly yes — LeetCode offers a strong free plan, but some of its most valuable features, like company-specific problems and detailed editorials, are locked behind a premium subscription.
For students who want to practice coding without paying, several alternative platforms provide free coding practice opportunities and structured learning paths. This article lists some of the best LeetCode alternatives for students in 2025, comparing their strengths and suitability for various goals.
Why Students Look for LeetCode Alternatives
LeetCode’s free version is sufficient for foundational learning, but not every student finds it ideal. Some need:
- A more interactive or guided learning experience
- Gamified or challenge-based formats to stay consistent
- Certifications or projects that support resume building
- A platform that offers a wider range of programming languages or easier editorial access
That’s why exploring LeetCode alternatives helps students access different features without compromising quality or affordability.
Best Free LeetCode Alternatives for Students
Below are some trusted and effective platforms that offer free coding practice for students and can supplement or replace LeetCode during their preparation journey.
1. HackerRank
Overview: HackerRank offers structured learning paths for algorithms, data structures, databases, and more.
Why Students Use It:
- Free access to categorized problems
- Certifications for resume building
- Peer comparison and community discussion
Best For: Beginners to intermediate learners
Website: https://www.hackerrank.com/
2. Codeforces
Overview: Codeforces is a global competitive programming platform offering frequent contests and an extensive problem archive.
Why Students Use It:
- Improves speed and accuracy under time constraints
- Active community discussions
- Advanced problem-solving exposure
Best For: Students preparing for competitions or hackathons
Website: https://codeforces.com/
3. GeeksforGeeks Practice
Overview: Combines theoretical explanations with coding problems, offering topic-wise practice similar to LeetCode.
Why Students Use It:
- Editorial explanations for each problem
- Curated coding tracks
- Company-specific interview question lists
Best For: Placement-focused learners
Website: https://practice.geeksforgeeks.org/
4. HackerEarth
Overview: HackerEarth features coding challenges, hackathons, and company-sponsored contests.
Why Students Use It:
Free problem-solving analytics
Best For: Students seeking hands-on challenge experience
Website: https://www.hackerearth.com/
How to Choose the Right Platform
Students often start with the question — is LeetCode free for students — but the better question might be which platform fits my learning goals best?
- For structured DSA prep: LeetCode, HackerRank, or GeeksforGeeks
- For competitive programming: Codeforces or HackerEarth
- For career-guided learning: Scrollwell’s Japture
The best approach is to use two complementary platforms — one for problem-solving (like HackerRank) and another for contests or mentorship (like Japture).
While LeetCode remains a strong resource, several free coding platforms provide high-quality learning experiences for students. HackerRank, Codeforces, and GeeksforGeeks help strengthen technical knowledge, while Japture and Scrollwell’s guided programs bridge the gap between coding skills and employability.
For students still wondering is LeetCode free for students, the answer is yes — but with so many strong free alternatives available in 2025, it’s easier than ever to build coding skills without a premium subscription.